McGair: Mark Melancon hopes to straighten himself out with PawSox

By editor

Created 04/20/2012 - 17:58

By BRENDAN McGAIR
Sports writer
PAWTUCKET – Friday saw Mark Melancon begin what he hopes is a short stint with the Pawtucket Red Sox.
“I’m just excited to get out there and throw strikes and kind of get on a roll,” Melancon said. “I haven’t been able to do that.”
Truer words have never been spoken. Melancon was demoted by Boston earlier this week, his ERA an unsightly 49.50 (11 runs on 10 hits in just two innings). The hope is that by pitching in a less stressful environment, the 27-year-old Melancon can get himself in order and back up to the Red Sox.
“Obviously I have to work hard in each outing, but I feel getting one solid outing under my belt will help immensely,” said Melancon, who was acquired this past offseason from Houston in exchange for pitcher Kyle Weiland and infielder Jed Lowrie.
According to PawSox manager Arnie Beyeler, the plan is to feature Melancon on a regular basis, something that did not happen during the reliever’s short and not so sweet stint with Boston. Melancon is expected to take the mound at some point during Friday’s game against Durham.
“It’s situation where he wasn’t happy with the way he wanted to perform and he wants to come down here and get better and get some command back,” Beyeler said. “Confidence is such a big deal and it’s tough when you’re not getting guys out.”
To read more about what Melancon and Beyeler had to say, read Saturday’s edition.